Family Movies

Family films are relatively recent as a marketable genre, but many classics find themselves atop the list simply because they’re from another age. Some of the movies on our list are newer, and were created specifically for the younger set. Here, in order by date, are the ten best family films of all time.

Snow White – 1937
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated feature produced by Disney. A huge success in its own time, it has gone on to entertain millions of children during the last 70 years. It ranked among AFI’s 100 best movies of all time.

Bringing Up Baby – 1938
Naysayers argue that kids don’t want to watch black and white movies, but love it they do. It was a failure when it came out, but this screwball comedy starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant has become a classic. It’s a love story between a paleontologist and a woman who owns a leopard named Baby. Despite the romance and occasional double entendre, it has a certain innocence that entertains children and adults alike.

The Wizard of Oz – 1939
The Wizard of Oz also wasn’t a huge commercial success when it was first released, but thanks to subsequent releases and frequent television airings, it has become a classic. The fantasy sequences delight children, and the song "Over the Rainbow" is known the world over.

Fantasia – 1940/1999
The original Fantasia was released in 1940, and updated with new music and new animated vignettes in 1999. The original didn’t become a commercial success until its subsequent releases, but is now considered a classic. The update is growing in popularity, but doesn’t have as much charm as those dancing Chinese mushrooms.

A Christmas Story – 1983
This is another film that fared only moderately at the box-office, but has become a classic due to repeated airings. It’s now a Christmas Day staple, playing for 24 hours straight on TBS. The wacky humor and innocent storyline makes it fun for the whole family.

The Princess Bride – 1987
The quote "As you wish," is just one of many from this film that is recognized by most people. Like most other classic family films, it was only a moderate success when it was released, but has grown in popularity ever since. The love story is sweet, the action is comical, and the movie is good clean fun for the whole family.

The Lion King – 1994

Now for a movie that was a major success at its release. The Lion King is the highest grossing traditionally animated film of all time, and spawned a hugely successful Broadway musical. The story centers around a lion cub who is destined to become king of the jungle. Like many Disney movies, all characters are animals who act a lot like humans.

Toy Story – 1995
The first PIXAR release, this computer-animated film is responsible for the decline of traditional animation at the box office. It has won numerous awards and continuously places on top ten lists. Unlike most other animated movies, the leads are toys who look like humans rather than animals. It also set the standard for the animated buddy comedy.

Shrek – 2001
Shrek wasn’t the first computer-animated film released by DreamWorks Animation, but it was the studio’s largest success at the time. While most animated movies are rated G, it dared to be rated PG, due to the jokes aimed at adults. The original and its sequels are enjoyed by adults with or without children, which truly does make it one of the great family films. It was the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Ratatouille – 2007
Although it is only PIXAR’s third biggest commercial success, Ratatouille is one their most critically-acclaimed films. It consistently placed on top ten lists, as a film worthy of both children and adults, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Many critics argued that it should be nominated for Best Picture. The film features a rat and a human working together, which is another departure from standard animated fare.

Great family films have been produced for the last 70 years (despite the 40-year gap on this list.) They continue to be produced today, but don’t always share the same innocence as the select few on this list. If you’re looking for something suitable for your entire family, visit your local video store for one of these top ten movies. Disney movies are often only released briefly on DVD so they can be re-released again later, but most should be available for rental.